Gila National Forest – Black Range Complex Fires Update – 7/22/2016

Silver City, NM; July 22, 2016 – For Immediate Release – The Black Range Complex Fires on the Black Range Ranger District consist of four fires: the Kline and Cooney Fires started July 8, the Corduroy Fire on July 17, and the Boiler Fire on July 18. These lightning-caused fires are located in the Black Range Mountains, 65 miles northwest of Truth Consequences, NM. As these fires burn, pre-determined management areas have been designated for fire management. The Black Range Complex Fires are currently 10% contained. There are currently 98 fire personnel assigned. Due to a reduction in visible smoke on the Black Range Complex Fires, daily information updates are currently being posted from Beaverhead to Winston, and will change as fire activity dictates.

Yesterday, Cooney and Kline Fire personnel conducted road and trail assessments for rehabilitation purposes. The Boiler Fire remained in monitoring status with minimal fire activity, awaiting management action decision. The Black Range Complex Fires received 2/10” of precipitation across the fires, accompanied by lightning. All fire personnel continue to be removed from fire line operations for their safety as storms increased in intensity over the fire perimeters.

Today, Cooney and Kline Fire personnel will assist Forest Service Resource Advisors with rehabilitation inventories and continue recording fire behavior and effects for documentation. The Boiler Fire will also remain in monitoring status.

The extended weather forecast for the Black Range Complex Fires calls for potential isolated showers and thunderstorms continuing each afternoon and evening for the next few days. Smoke conditions will be visible only within close proximity to fire perimeters. There have been no evacuations associated with the Black Range Complex.

A temporary Area Closure Order has been issued for the vicinity of the Black Range Complex Fires. All National Forest System lands, roads, and trails within the closure area are closed to public use. Road closures and trails include: Highway 59, south and east of County Road 21 and 23 to Double Springs, east of Yellow Springs Trail (Trail No. 53), north of Greenfly Trail (Trail No. 26), and west of FR 150. This area includes Wolf Hollow Campground, the trail, and the Gravel Pit area on FR 4064T. This also includes the area of the Continental Divide Trail between the junction of FR 220A and Highway 59. Please detour west along FR 226A north on FR 226 to re-enter the CDT at Highway 59.